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“Are we there yet?” She whines. I turn to retort and see she’s smiling. “I’m just kidding. I wanted to see your face.”
“We’re close. Give me your phone.”
“What?” She smiles and brushes a strand of hair away from her face. “Why do you need my phone?”
“So I can take a picture of you.”
“Um.” Her face twists. “I need to set up the shot.”
“Trust me.” I hold out my hand as she silently debates my request. Finally, she exhales loudly and hands it over.
“Do you know how to take a picture?”
“I’m not a complete idiot, Jess.” I feel the corner of my mouth turn up. “I think I can figure it out. Come on.”
We turn the corner, and a majestic view appears before us. Jessica’s hand flies to her mouth as she gasps.
“Oh my God, it’s gorgeous. I’ve never seen a waterfall like this!” She takes off toward the cascading water, which grows louder as we grow closer, drowning out all other noises surrounding us.
Emerging from a rocky cliff, the frothy white water tumbles down in a never-ending flow. The sunlight filters through a canopy of trees, giving it a near-ethereal glow. Jessica turns around to face me, her face beaming. I snap a few pictures. She looks gorgeous and vulnerable. Her hands are out to the side as the spray from the waterfall mists against her skin.
“Perfect,” I whisper to myself. “Beautiful.” The waterfall’s got nothing on her. The waterfall’s raw beauty gives it an energy that’s palpable. I’m grateful that Jess seems as impressed with it as I am.
“Seriously, this is insane.” Her laugh is musical, a sound I’d like to hear for the rest of my life. She’s captivating, and I suddenly understand why people would want to look at pictures of her and aspire to be her.
She jogs over to where I’m standing and takes the phone. “Holy shit, Luke.” She nudges my shoulder. Tingles erupt where our skin touches. “These pictures are amazing.”
“It must be the subject.” Her eyes find mine, and for a moment we just stare at each other. I want to lean down and kiss her, but something stops me. I’ve been down this road before. I know where her priorities lie, and I shouldn’t get my hopes up. I can’t compete with followers and fans.
I clear my throat and take a step back. Jess turns her attention back to the waterfall. “Can we just sit here for a little bit? It’s so peaceful.”
“I’ve got no plans.” And I really don’t. This is the most social interaction I’ve had in ages. Hell, I even get my groceries delivered these days.
I help Jessica to a spot near the edge where we sit on smooth rocks, dangling our feet over the edge. “Yikes, this is kind of scary.” Her voice raises in pitch. “I’m scared of heights.”
“I won’t let you fall.” Her green eyes sparkle up at me.
“Thanks.” She pulls out her phone and looks at the pictures I took. “These really are so good.” She giggles, biting into her full bottom lip. I wonder if they taste as good as they look.
“You kind of remind me of my ex-girlfriend.” The words come out before I can stop them.
“Excuse me?” This gets her to put her phone down. Now I have her full attention for better or worse.
“No offense, but her social media image was the top priority in her life. She’d spend hours taking pictures at just the right angle, with just the right lighting, then posting them online, waiting for the likes to roll in.”
The breeze blows Jess’s hair away from her face. “Is that why you broke up?”
“Pretty much. Her image became an obsession, and she lost touch with who she really was. Eventually, I barely recognized her, living her life for other people. Trying to impress a slew of strangers instead of being true to herself.”
“And you think I’m like that?” There’s no seeing past the hurt in her eyes.
“I don’t know, Jess. You seem like a great gal. In fact I like spending time with you.”
A smile spreads across her lips. “I knew it!” She gently nudges me again.
“But—“
“Oh, I hate buts!”
